The inside scoop on food in Los Angeles

Battle of the beer floats:FoodGPS hosts the second annual L.A. Beer Float Showdown. Watch (and taste) the beer-and-ice-cream action at Verdugo Bar next month. Boneyard Bistro, Ladyface Alehouse, Simmzy’s and Tony’s Darts Away are battling for the beer float championship. Each team will make a beer float, and everybody in attendance tastes each float and votes; floats are to be judged on flavor and originality. The Manila Machine and Mandoline Grill also will be there. Sunday, Oct. 10, 5:30 p.m. $25 in advance, $30 on the day of the event. Half of proceeds will benefit Share our Strength. 3408 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles, (323) 257-3408, www.verdugobar.com. For advance tickets, go to www.foodgps.com.

Get your udon on:Mazumizu Workshop in Santa Monica plans to offer udon-making classes beginning next month. Learn to make "sanuki-style" udon, the thick, lustrous, chewy Japanese wheat noodles. "We will show you how to mix, knead, step, yes, that's right, step on the dough (but not directly, of course), then fold and cut the dough into thick noodles," says the Mazumizu website. Check for class times and prices: mazumizu.com.

Oktoberfest comes to Santa Monica: The first annual Oktoberfest Southern California comes to Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport. Three days of beer, bratwurst and entertainment, including the 21-piece Chico Bavarian Band and traditional Bavarian dancing. Also on the menu: schweine haxe, goulash, wiener schnitzel and more (plus German pastries). Warning: Who knows how this will turn out as there will be a lot of Spaten beer. Tickets are $20 per session. To purchase tickets go to: www.socaloktoberfest.com. For more information call (888) 746-7522 or e-mail info@socaloktoberfest.com. Friday 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave., #203, Santa Monica.